The Democratic Republic of Congo is on a mission to ensure it finances the world’s largest hydropower dam. The World Bank and other financial institutions are engaged in discussions about funding the significant project. The mega hydropower project holds the potential of supplying electricity across the entire African continent. The Grand Inga Dam has the capability of producing 44,000 MW of power annually. It is also estimated to cost $80 billion to ensure its implementation. Set to be situated in the Congo River, the dam holds the hopes of ending energy shortages in DR Cong. The government has already initiated plans to construct 6 hydropower stations near a waterfall in western DRC. This will add to the two that are already operational. Once completed, the dam is expected to be the world’s largest in capacity and output.
The State of Affairs of the World’s Largest Hydropower Dam
The construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam is one that has stalled close to over a decade. One of the reasons for this is the disagreements between the former DRC government and the World Bank over issues of transparency. The multibillion-dollar endeavor has also experienced pushbacks from activists for focusing more on the needs of investors in the mining sector. The activists shun this approach as they note that the aim of the dam is to supply electricity countrywide. However, the current government is making efforts to address these issues.
They have revived talks with the World Bank to ensure funding of the project. A significant amount of the energy produced from the dam will be availed to the mining sector. It will go to the nation’s mining heartland of Katanga. South Africa and Nigeria have also shown interest in drawing power from the hydropower dam. “The national electricity utility serves the population and companies. While it gives priority to the mining companies that have invested, there is nowhere that the contract says a hundred percent of the power should go to the mining companies,” Ben Munanga, the Chairman Board of Directors, KAMOA Copper S.A. said.
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The Grand Inga Dam Project as a Hope to DR Congo’s Energy Woes
The implementation of the world’s largest hydropower dam is of monumental significance especially in providing electricity. Despite the nation’s huge hydropower potential, most residents struggle with the nation’s energy poverty. A significant number of Congolese who are living in impoverished states and conditions will afford electricity. Furthermore, business people will also benefit from the economic benefits power from the dam will unveil. Many attending the Makutano International forum ending soon showed anticipation to see the dam’s operations commence.
“We have to do it, regardless of the size of the project, whether here at Inga or anywhere in the country, even if it is a small dam, it must be built,” Eric Monga the vice-president, Congo Business Federation (FEC) said. Authorities say it may take another decade for the 6 dams to be completed and start generating clean energy in the DRC. However, they also note that it is worth the wait.
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Grand Inga Hydroelectric Power Project Updates, Democratic Republic of Congo
